Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Liftgate trim panel. Liftgate. Liftgate hinge

Liftgate trim panel

REMOVAL

(1) Using a small flat blade, pry out the trim plugs from the liftgate assist handle.

(2) Remove the screws attaching the assist handle to the liftgate (Fig. 87).

(3) Remove the screws that attach the liftgate trim panel to the liftgate.

(4) Using a trim panel removal tool, detach the push-in fasteners from the liftgate.

(5) Remove the trim panel from the liftgate.

Fig. 87 Liftgate Trim Panel

1 - TRIM PANEL
2 - PUSH NUT
3 - LIFTGATE
4 - ASSIST HANDLE
5 - PLUG

INSTALLATION

(1) Position the trim panel on liftgate.

(2) Using new push-in fasteners, align the push-in fasteners with the holes in the liftgate inner panel and press the trim panel into place.

(3) Install the screws to attach the liftgate trim panel to the liftgate.

(4) Install the screws attaching the assist handle to the liftgate.

(5) Press the trim plugs into the liftgate assist handle.

Liftgate

REMOVAL

WARNING: DO NOT DISCONNECT SUPPORT ROD CYLINDERS WITH LIFTGATE CLOSED. SUPPORT ROD PISTONS ARE OPERATED BY HIGH PRESSURE GAS. THIS COULD CAUSE DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY IF THEY ARE REMOVED WHILE PISTONS ARE COMPRESSED.

(1) Remove center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).

(2) Open and support liftgate.

(3) Remove liftgate trim panel.

(4) Disconnect and plug backlite washer fluid supply line.

(5) Remove screws that attach rear wiper and liftgate power lock wire harness connectors to liftgate and disconnect connectors.

(6) Using access hole created by removal of CHMSL, route backlite washer fluid supply line and rear wiper and liftgate power lock wire harness/ grommets through access hole and separate from liftgate.

(7) Remove retainer clips that secure support rods to ball studs.

(8) Remove support rods from ball studs.

(9) Remove bolts attaching hinges to liftgate.

(10) Remove liftgate from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

(1) Position and support liftgate at opening in body and install bolts attaching hinges to liftgate. Tighten bolts to 26 N·m (19 ft. lbs.) torque.

(2) Connect liftgate support rods to ball studs and install retainer clips.

(3) Route backlite washer fluid supply line and rear wiper and liftgate power lock wire harnesses/ grommets through access hole.

(4) Connect connectors and install screws that attach rear wiper and liftgate power lock wire harness connectors to liftgate (5) Unplug and connect backlite washer fluid supply line.

(6) Install liftgate trim panel.

(7) Remove supports and close liftgate.

(8) Install (CHMSL).

Liftgate hinge

REMOVAL

It is not necessary to remove the liftgate to replace one or both hinges.

(1) Open and support the liftgate.

(2) Remove the liftgate opening upper trim.

(3) Remove the bolts attaching the hinge to the header panel (Fig. 88).

(4) Remove the bolts attaching the hinge to the liftgate.

Fig. 88 Liftgate Hinge

1 - LIFTGATE HINGE
2 - LIFTGATE
3 - HEADER PANEL
4 - HEADER PANEL

INSTALLATION

(1) Position the hinge on the liftgate.

(2) Install the bolts attaching the hinge to the liftgate.

Tighten to 26 N·m (19 ft. lbs.) torque.

(3) Install the bolts attaching the hinge to the header panel. Tighten to 26 N·m (19 ft. lbs.) torque.

(4) Install the liftgate opening upper trim.

(5) Remove the support and close the liftgate.